Sock having secondary opening

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a foot covering or sock that has a second opening such that a portion of topside of a foot wearing the sock is exposed.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Shelby Busemeyer McKee, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/739,564, entitled “SOCK HAVING SECONDARY OPENING,” filed on Dec. 19, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. 1022.093PRV), which prior application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates generally to foot apparel, and more particularly to a sock having an opening associated with a top portion of an individual's foot to allow the appearance of a naked foot within low-sided shoes.

2. Background

Wearing open-design shoes, that is, shoes that tend to have an upper or vamp that rises from the sole around the associated foot such that there is an opening that exposes a foot when being worn, is very popular. Examples include traditional women's pumps, high-heeled shoes, and flats.

Many such open shoes designs can be uncomfortable when worn without a foot covering between the shoes and feet. The discomfort may come from a variety of issues. For example, the fit of a shoe on a particular person's foot may cause friction between the inside surface of the shoe and the bare skin of the person's foot. Minor misalignments in shoe fit and loose-fitting shoes can result in shoe-skin friction causing undesirable skin irritations, such as blisters. Discomfort may also be caused by a natural build-up of moisture from a person's feet inside shoes. Moisture accumulation inside shoes increases shoe-skin friction and the negative effects of friction on skin. In addition, moisture that accumulates inside shoes being worn can cause undesirable odors. As a result, persons wearing open design shoes often desire to wear foot coverings between the shoes and their feet to absorb moisture and decrease friction.

Although many individuals choose to wear foot coverings between their shoes and feet to overcome the above-identified issues, there is a desire, for aesthetics, to give the appearance that there is not a foot covering being worn.

Traditionally, to give the appearance of a lack of foot covering being worn, women may wear pantyhose, stockings, or tights. However, many such foot coverings have their drawbacks.

Some pantyhose, stockings, and tights are difficult to maintain and care. They may easily snag or rip, and properly cleaning them may be difficult.

Further, although some individuals choose to have an open design shoe for fashion or aesthetic reasons, they also need the warmth, cushioning, and comfort of a more traditional yarn sock.

Thus, what is desired is a foot covering that is easily cared for and provides the appearance of a naked foot when worn in conjunction with open design shoes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides a method for a new configuration of a foot garment. The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a foot covering. The foot covering is comprised of a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion attached to the forefront portion, a hindfoot portion attached to the midfoot portion, a lower leg portion attached to the hindfoot portion, a primary opening at an end of the lower leg portion furthest from the hindfoot portion, and a secondary opening on a topside of the foot covering. The secondary opening extends from an end of the forefront portion closest to the midfoot portion to an end of the lower leg portion furthest from the primary opening. A top side of an individual's foot is exposed through the secondary opening when being worn on the individual's foot.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. Advantages and attainments, together with a more complete understanding of the invention, will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which will become more apparent as the description proceeds, are described in the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of a foot covering according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side-view of an exemplary embodiment of a foot covering according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary embodiment of the present invention having a greater length to a lower leg portion.

FIG. 4 is another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order to provide a clear and consistent understanding of the specification and claims, including the scope to be given such terms, the following definitions are provided:

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be useful in the practice or testing of the present invention, preferred methods and materials are described below. All references, publications, patents, patent applications, and commercial materials mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference for all. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention.

Generally, this disclosure relates to socks that include both double layers and single layers. As used herein, descriptors such as “first” and “second” are used in a relative manner, to distinguish one feature of the disclosure from another. Accordingly, a feature described as the “first” aspect with respect to a “second” aspect in one embodiment may also be described as the “second” aspect with respect to a “third” aspect in another embodiment, and so on accordingly.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention is limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, in describing the preferred embodiments, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity.

It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to a sheet or portion is intended also to include the manufacturing of a plurality of sheets or portions. References to a sheet containing “a” constituent is intended to include other constituents in addition to the one named.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value.

By “comprising” or “containing” or “including” is meant that at least the named compound, element, particle, or method step is present in the composition or article or method, but does not exclude the presence of other compounds, materials, particles, method steps, even if the other such compounds, material, particles, method steps have the same function as what is named.

It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Similarly, it is also to be understood that the mention of one or more components in a fabric or system does not preclude the presence of additional components or intervening components between those components expressly identified.

The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a foot covering 10, are comprised of a forefoot portion 20, a midfoot portion 25, a hindfoot portion 30, and a lower leg portion 35.

As illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 3, the forefoot portion of the foot covering substantially surrounds and covers toes of an individual's foot wearing the foot covering. Although the drawings show that the foot covering fully envelopes an individual's toes when wearing the foot covering, a portion of the toes closest to a leg attached to the foot may be partially uncovered.

The midfoot portion 25 of the foot covering 10 is adjacent to the forefoot portion 20. The midfoot portion substantially surrounds and covers a sole or bottom portion of a foot wearing the foot covering. The midfoot portion may also cover portions of an arch and sides of a foot wearing the foot covering.

Adjacent to the midfoot portion is the hindfoot portion 30 that substantially covers and surrounds a heel of a foot wearing the foot covering. In exemplary embodiments, the hindfoot portion may also surround and cover all or portions of an ankle of a foot wearing the foot covering.

One or more of the forefoot portion, the midfoot portion, and the hindfoot portion may have cushioning and/or padding for additional comfort.

The lower leg portion 35 is attached to the hindfoot portion of the foot covering. The lower leg portion surrounds a portion of an individual's leg above the ankle. The length of the lower leg portion may vary as needed. The exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2 shows the lower leg portion longer than the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. At an end of the lower leg portion furthest from the forefoot portion is a primary opening 37 for introducing a foot into the foot covering.

The foot covering may be comprised of any known wearable fabric, skin, or similar material. The fabric may include an elastomeric material to assist in gripping force and fit of the foot covering on an individual's foot and thus increases the tendency for the foot covering to stay on an individual's foot while worn with a shoe and when a shoe is removed.

In exemplary embodiments, the foot covering 10 comprises a thickness sufficient to promote proper fit of the open heel shoe on an individual. In addition to assisting an individual with proper fit of shoes, such thickness preferably helps absorb moisture and reduce friction. In embodiments, the foot covering comprises a thickness that can be comfortably used during all seasons of the year.

A secondary opening 40 is present in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The second opening preferably extends from the forefoot portion to the hindfoot portion along topside 50 of the foot covering. The bottom side 53 of the foot covering preferably surrounds and covers the foot wearing the foot covering. The secondary opening may be of any shape, but preferably is generally oblong or oval in shape. The second opening preferably exposes skin on a top of the individual's foot within the foot covering.

In one embodiment, the secondary opening has a width of at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 cm or more.

In one exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the dimensions of the sock are shown as: A: 20-40 cm; B: 15-35 m; C: 5-15 cm; D: 0.5-5 cm; E: 5-15 cm; F: 5-15 cm; G: 0.1-5 cm; H: 10-30 cm; I: 5-25 cm.

In one exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the dimensions of the sock are shown as: A: 25-35 cm; B: 20-30 m; C: 6-12 cm; D: 0.5-3 cm; E: 6-12 cm; F: 6-12 cm; G: 0.1-3 cm; H: 15-25 cm; I: 10-15 cm.

In one exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the dimensions of the sock are shown as: A: about 29 cm; B: about 26.5 m; C: about 8.2 cm; D: about 1 cm; E: about 8.2 cm; F: about 8.2 cm; G: about 0.5 cm; H: about 21 cm; I: about 13 cm.

In one embodiment, the secondary opening may comprise an opening that o various geometric shapes. In one embodiment, the secondary opening comprises a shape selected form the group consisting of circular, oval, square, rectangular, and various irregular shapes. In another embodiment, the shape of the secondary opening is one or more of concave polygon, constructible polygon, convex polygon, cyclic polygon, equiangular polygon, equilateral polygon, regular polygon, penrose tile, polyform, balbis, polygons with specific numbers of sides, henagon—1 sided, digon—2 sided, triangle, acute triangle, equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle, obtuse triangle, rational triangle, right triangle, isosceles right triangle, kepler triangle, scalene triangle, quadrilateral, cyclic quadrilateral, square, kite, parallelogram, rhombus (equilateral parallelogram), lozenge, rhomboid, rectangle, square (regular quadrilateral), tangential quadrilateral, trapezoid or trapezium, isosceles trapezoid, pentagon, regular pentagon, hexagon, lemoine hexagon, heptagon, octagon, regular octagon, nonagon, decagon, regular decagon, hendecagon, dodecagon, hexadecagon, icosagon, swastika, star without crossing lines, star polygon, hexagram, star of david, heptagram, octagram, star of lakshmi, decagram, pentagram, curved, annulus, arbelos, circle, disc, archimedes' twin circles, bankoff circle, circumcircle, excircle, incircle, nine-point circle, circular sector, circular segment, crescent, ellipse, various lemniscates, lune, oval, reuleaux polygon, reuleaux triangle, lens, vesica piscis (fish bladder), salinon, semicircle, sphere, tomoe, magatama, triquetra, yin-yang, archimedean spiral, asteroid, astroid, bell-shaped curve, biconic, bowtie, bow shape, bow curve, bullet nose, butterfly curve, cocked hat curve, cone, egg-shaped, fish bladder or lens shape, heart shape, hourglass shape, dog bone, hourglass corset, hourglass nebula, inverted bell, mushroom shape, pear shaped, stirrup curve, star, sunburst, tomahawk, shapes of numbers and letters.

The secondary opening in exemplary embodiments exposes skin of an ankle of the individual's foot within the foot covering.

The secondary opening extends upwards to and partially including the lower leg portion of the foot covering. Thus, a pants leg may be worn to cover part of the secondary opening to give a greater impression of an individual not wearing a sock since the pants leg may move up the individual's leg while walking or sitting.

The secondary opening preferably extends towards the bottom side of the foot covering in the midfoot portion to a distance necessary to give the impression that a foot covering is not being worn. As such, in some circumstances, the secondary opening may extend fully to the bottom side of the foot covering. In other circumstances, the secondary opening may extend only partway down sides of the midfoot portion of the foot covering.

In one embodiment, the material of the article is manufactured from performance fabric, which can include, for example, varying amounts of one or more of Lycra, Coolmax, Thermax and Thermastat. In another embodiment, the fabric is treated so that the fabric has antimicrobial properties. In another embodiment, the use of circular-knit performance fabric is able to provide elasticity in all four directions. By using performance fabrics, the sheet has elastic properties that allow stretching in the directions. In addition, by using circular-knit performance fabric, the resulting material retains an exceptionally fine tactile quality critical for providing maximum levels of enhanced comfort. An alternative to circular knitting is non-circular knitting—for example, warp knitting.

In one embodiment, the sock may suitably be a knitted sock. In one embodiment, the sock may be knitted from any suitable fiber or combination of fibers, provided that they fulfill the requirements as set out above.

Fibers such as wool, cotton, viscose, Lyocel/Tencel, nylon, polyester and silk may suitably be used in the sock of the present invention and in particular are suitable for use as base fibers that form the majority of the sock. Fibers such as wool, cotton, viscose, Lyocel/Tencel and silk may also be used in the sock as absorbent fibers.

Fibers such as Coolmax, Duraspun, Isolfil, polypropylene, polyester microfiber, Soft Touch P180W and Galaxy may suitably be used in the sock of the present invention and in particular are suitable for use as wicking fibers. Fibers such as elastane, Spandex, Dorlastan, Spanzelle, Vyrene, Lycra, natural rubber EPDM and polybutadiene may suitably be used in the sock of the present invention and in particular are suitable for use as elasticated fibers. The Youngs modulus of the elastic fiber is suitably from 10⁵ to 10⁷ Pa, for example, of the order of 10⁶ Pa.

Antimicrobial fibers, such as Outlast, X-Static and Amicor may suitably be used in the sock of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the sock may suitably be knitted from a combination of fibers including a mixture of cotton, acrylic, nylon, and spandex. In one embodiment, the sock material comprises 40-60% cotton, 20-40% acrylic, 10-30% nylon and 1-5% spandex. In another embodiment, the sock material comprises 45-55% cotton, 25-35% acrylic, 15-25% nylon and 1-3% spandex. In one specific embodiment, the sock material comprises about 52% cotton, about 28% acrylic, about 18% nylon and about 2% spandex.

In another embodiment, the sock material comprises 70-90% polyester, 10-30% nylon and 1-5% spandex. In another embodiment, the sock material comprises 75-85% polyester, 15-25% nylon and 1-3% spandex. In one specific embodiment, the sock material comprises about 80% polyester, about 18% nylon and about 2% spandex.

In another embodiment, the sock material comprises 20-40% coffee charcoal fabric, 40-60% rayon, 10-30% nylon and 1-5% spandex. In another embodiment, the sock material comprises 25-35% coffee charcoal fabric, 45-55% rayon, 15-25% nylon and 1-3% spandex. In one specific embodiment, the sock material comprises about 32% coffee charcoal fabric, about 48% rayon, about 18% nylon and about 2% spandex.

As used herein, a coffee charcoal fabric is made from a fiber comprising cationic polyester and coffee charcoal. Coffee charcoal is a nano-grade powder made of coffee dreg and used coffee bean. After carbonization and nano process, the charcoal achieves UV-cut, odor-free and quick dry functions. Coconut and bamboo charcoal may also be used.

The above-referenced materials may include one or more fiber or fabric treatment including Coolmax, Ultrafresh and Coolsmart.

In one embodiment, the sock may suitably be knitted from a combination of fibers including one or more fine natural fibers, in particular first spin wool, merino wool and silk threads, to increase the comfort of the sock on the foot. The use of one or more of these fibers also assists in temperature and moisture control at the foot.

In one embodiment, the sock may suitably be knitted from a combination of fibers including one or more antimicrobial fibers, such as silver fibers.

In one embodiment, the sock comprises a foot portion having a closed toe. This is preferable as it avoids discomfort to the patient due to the toes of his foot becoming cold.

The sock preferably comprises a leg portion that, in use, extends upwardly from the foot to cover some, most, substantially all, or all, of the calf of the patient. Suitably, the leg portion in use extends upwardly from the foot to cover all of the calf of the patient. In one embodiment, the leg portion of the sock terminates at or around, or just below, the knee, and therefore the sock is preferably a knee-high sock.

In one embodiment, the sock comprises an elasticated cuff portion around the mouth of the sock. The cuff portion is preferably a double cuff portion in order to increase the ability of the sock to stay up.

The socks may be handed, with one sock being a left foot sock and one sock being a right foot sock.

When fibers other than elasticated fibers are included, these may be any fibers suitable for use in a sock and may be natural fibers or synthetic fibers or a combination thereof. Suitably, the material is knitted material and the stitch used for knitting is such that it generates compression. The peaks and valleys, the openness of the stitch and any openings all contribute to the generation of compression and accordingly one or more of these factors can suitably be adjusted to achieve the desired compression.

The sock may suitably be a knitted sock. The sock may be knitted from any suitable fiber or combination of fibers, provided that they fulfill the requirements as set out above.

Fibers such as wool, cotton, viscose, Lyocel/Tencel, nylon, polyester and silk may suitably be used in the sock of the present invention and in particular are suitable for use as base fibers that form the majority of the sock. Fibers such as wool, cotton, viscose, Lyocel/Tencel and silk may also be used in the sock as absorbent fibers.

Fibers such as Coolmax, Duraspun, Isolfil, polypropylene, polyester microfiber, Soft Touch P180W and Galaxy may suitably be used in the sock of the present invention and in particular are suitable for use as wicking fibers. Fibers such as elastane, Spandex, Dorlastan, Spanzelle, Vyrene, Lycra, natural rubber EPDM and polybutadiene may suitably be used in the sock of the present invention and in particular are suitable for use as elasticated fibers. Antimicrobial fibers, such as Outlast, X-Static and Amicor may suitably be used in the sock of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the sock may be knitted from a combination of fibers including one or more fine natural fibers, in particular first spin wool, merino wool and silk threads, to increase the comfort of the sock on the patient's foot. The use of one or more of these fibers also assists in temperature and moisture control at the foot. The sock may suitably be knitted from a combination of fibers including one or more antimicrobial fibers, such as silver fibers.

When fibers other than wicking fibers are included, these may be any fibers suitable for use in a sock and may be natural fibers or synthetic fibers or a combination thereof. Preferably the sock comprises a blend of cotton and Coolmax Antibacterial fibers or a blend of cotton and polypropylene. The blend may comprise from 5% to 80% by weight of wicking fibers; and preferably from 20% to 60% by weight of wicking fibers; and more preferably from 25% to 50% by weight of wicking fibers blended with natural or synthetic fibers suitable for use in a sock.

In one embodiment, the sock, including its various portions described above, is constructed as a triple knit fabric. One example of such a triple knit fabric is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,276. An example of a terry knit is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,144,563. Reference is also made to the following U.S. patent documents, the complete disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,587 U.S. Pat. No. 709,734 U.S. Pat. No. 4,267,710 U.S. Pat. No. 4,079,602 U.S. Pat. No. 4,229,954 U.S. Pat. No. 5,708,985 U.S. Pat. No. 6,341,505 U.S. Pat. No. 7,213,420 2006/0010574 2006/0286376.

In one embodiment, the use of a combination of Coolmax, cotton and Lycra yarn fibers in the sock results in more efficient wicking of moisture from the sock.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the sock layer is at least partially knit from at least one technical yarn. In one embodiment, the technical yarn may be unplated. In one embodiment, the technical yarn may be plated, for example with another technical yarn. In a preferred embodiment a technical yarn comprises a blend of fibers. In one embodiment, the yarn is corespun with an elastomeric yarn. In one embodiment, the yarn has low friction properties. In one embodiment, a technical yarn has antibacterial properties. In one embodiment, the technical yarn may have antifungal properties. In one embodiment a technical yarn comprises a low friction fiber. The low friction fiber may comprise a fluropolymeric fiber such as a polytetrafluroethylene fiber. In one embodiment a technical yarn is a composite yarn comprising a first fiber having a low coefficient of friction and a second fiber having a higher coefficient of friction than that of the first fiber.

In one embodiment, the fiber may comprise a fluropolymeric fiber such as a polytetrafluroethylene fiber. In one embodiment, the fiber may be a polyester fiber, a polypropylene fiber or a polyamide fiber. In one case a technical yarn comprises a blend of a polytetraflouroethylene fiber and a polyester fiber. In another embodiment, the yarn comprises coated nylon fiber. The nylon fiber may be coated with silver. In one embodiment, the yarn may be of a hydrophobic material. In one embodiment, the yarn in this case may be a fiber having antifungal and/or antibacterial properties.

In one embodiment, the invention also provides a sock formed on a circular knitting machine having means to control stitch density, patterning and terry structure, a dial plate having dial elements and an automatic toe closing unit with the inner layer fabric comprising a low friction yarn. In another aspect the invention provides a layered sock comprising an inner sock layer and an outer sock layer.

The sock of the invention is manufactured complete in a single process and incorporates a flat seam joining the two layers of fabric. This guarantees wale stitch to wale stitch alignment of both sock layers making up the final double sock, which in turn gives perfect alignment of the double structure. Single process manufacture in a programmed, uninterrupted production cycle without manual intervention and requiring no hand finishing results in a level of precision and consistency in the dimensions and finish of the double layer sock of the invention unachievable in the manufacture of conventional double layer socks, making it ideally suited for preventive care applications.

All publications and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually specifically incorporated by reference. Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings of this invention that certain changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims. The invention will be described in greater detail by way of specific examples.

The invention described and claimed herein is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments herein disclosed, since these embodiments are intended as illustrations of several aspects of the invention. Any equivalent embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this invention. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A foot covering being comprised of: a forefoot portion; a midfoot portion attached to the forefront portion; a hindfoot portion attached to the midfoot portion; a lower leg portion attached to the hindfoot portion; a primary opening at an end of the lower leg portion furthest from the hindfoot portion; a secondary opening on a topside of the foot covering, such that the secondary opening extends from an end of the forefront portion closest to the midfoot portion to an end of the lower leg portion furthest from the primary opening; and wherein a top side of an individual's foot is exposed through the secondary opening when being worn on the individual's foot.
 2. The foot covering according to claim 1, wherein the second opening further exposes ankles of an individual's foot when being worn on the individual's foot.
 3. The foot covering according to claim 1, wherein the second opening further exposes a lower part of a shin of an individual when being worn on the individual's foot.
 4. The foot covering according to claim 1, wherein the foot covering is further comprised of cushioning or padding on a bottom side of the foot covering.
 5. The foot covering according to claim 1, wherein the secondary opening substantially mimics an opening of a shoe being worn by an individual wearing the foot covering.
 6. The foot covering according to claim 1, wherein the secondary opening is substantially oblong in shape. 